Francorp Phillipines

Francorp's offices in the Phillipines have had a great deal of success and have redefined the franchise industry in their area of the world. Here is their site with client testimonials and an overview of what kinds of exciting things Francorp has accomplished there.

http://www.francorp.com.ph/

Francorp Client - DirectBuy

DirectBuy is a Francorp Client that has had a great deal of success in the direct sales business. DirectBuy is the market leader in their industry.

DirectBuy
Consumer buying club
James L. Gagan founded UCC TotalHome in 1971 and began franchising the following year. Based in Merrillville, Indiana, the private company has over 90 locations throughout North America.DirectBuy began with a vision. It was a vision of liberating consumers from the high cost of retail buying; of allowing consumers to buy goods for their homes at manufacturer direct prices plus freight, handling and sales tax; of restoring to families the opportunity to buy the things they need and want at prices they could afford.That was over three decades ago. Today, the vision has materialized into an exceptional opportunity for DirectBuy franchise owners. We provide a proven, replicable system that allows them to realize the results and rewards of their business quickly.DirectBuy is the largest, most successful business of its kind in North America. For homeowners, remodelers and families in general, our centers are a very significant channel of alternative purchasing in North America.
Please Note: The operators of DirectBuy, may not have verified the accuracy of the Franchise information contained within this website. For accurate up-to-date information, customers are strongly recommended to visit the official DirectBuy website.
Start-up Costs & Franchises Fees
How much does it cost to open a DirectBuy Franchises?

Total Investment: $147,000-$259,000
Initial Franchise Fee: $30,000-$55,000
Royalty Fee: 22%
Advertising Fee:
Term of Agreement: 12 years
How to contact DirectBuy
DirectBuy Inc.
8450 Broadway, P.O. Box 13006
Merrillville, IN 46411-3006
Phone: (219)736-1100
Toll Free: (800) 454-0018
Fax: (219)755-6208

Website: Visit Website
DirectBuy News
Directbuy Of Syracuse Recognized For Superior Customer ServiceDirectBuy, the leading members-only showroom and home design center, recently announced its Syracuse, New York location ranks number three in the company's customer service ratings for 2008. This is the second consecutive year that DirectBuy of Syracuse has landed in the top five in North Americ... more
Directbuy Franchise Owners Donate Scholarship Funds To Ohio State UniversityDirectBuy, the leading members-only showroom and home design center that offers merchandise at manufacturer-direct prices, is proud to announce that franchise owners Tim and Jayn Corral recently donated two academic scholarships to The Ohio State University. In return, the University honored the Co... moreView all DirectBuy Press Releases
Franchise History
When did the first DirectBuy open? 1971When did DirectBuy start Franchising? 1972
In 2005, DirectBuy had 96 franchised locations in the U.S. and 20 locations throughout Canada.

Francorp Client - Jersey Mike's Subs

Here is a great interview with Francorp Client Peter Cancro, CEO of Jersey Mike's Subs. Jersey Mike's recently surpassed 400 units and continues to redefine the sandwich franchise segment.

Having Words Peter Cancro Founder and Chief Executive, Jersey Mike’s Subs
By Dina Berta

Having Words Peter Cancro Founder and Chief Executive, Jersey Mike’s Subs
(Nov. 17, 2008) Football has played a major role in the life of Peter Cancro, founder and chief executive of Jersey Mike’s Subs, based in Manasquan, N.J. From Pop Warner leagues to playing for his high school team, the sport and the coaches he encountered taught him valuable lessons about teamwork and leadership—and helped him pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.
Cancro started working at Mike’s Sub Shop in the seaside town of Point Pleasant, N.J., when he was 14. Three years later, he bought out the owners. His football coach, who was also a banker, helped him get a loan to finance the deal. Cancro, who was president of the class of 1975 at Point Pleasant High School, was also the only graduate to own his own sub shop. He was an owner at 17, before he could legally use a slicer.
After graduating from high school, he married his wife, Linda, and they opened more outlets, changing the name to Jersey Mike’s Subs to stress the chain’s origins along the New Jersey shore. Cancro eventually formed Jersey Mike’s Franchising Systems Inc., and began franchising in earnest. Over the years, he has never forgotten the leadership lessons he learned from football and teaches those concepts to Jersey Mike’s managers and franchisees.
It’s pretty amazing that at the age of 17 you bought a restaurant.
Looking back on it, I really don’t comprehend it. I started working very early, mowing lawns when I was 10 and 11. It was not that big of a deal to buy when I was 17. I had worked there four years. I did not think of failure at that age. I did not have any worries.
FAST FACTS
AGE: 51
HOMETOWN: Point Pleasant Beach, N.J.
EXPERIENCE: Began working in a local sub sandwich shop at age 14 and bought it three years later, before graduating from high school; built Jersey Mike’s Subs to a nearly 400-unit chain
PERSONAL: married; four children
HOBBIES: snow shoeing, running and playing tennis
Now you take things slowly, methodically. I sort of leapt back then. Along the way we lose the ability to leap. That’s probably a good thing.
Was it your high school football coach who helped you buy the restaurant?
No. My Pop Warner coach, Rod Smith. I played for him before high school. I was quarterback of the team, and we won the championship of that league.
I always stayed in touch with him, and he came to my [high school] games.
When the owner of Mike’s put it up for sale in 1975, I started knocking on doors, trying to raise capital. It was a Sunday night at 9:30 when I came over to his house.
He came to our annual meeting in May 2006. It was very emotional. He cried. I cried.
Did you play any college ball?
I hung up my spikes on Thanksgiving Day my senior year, after winning the championship, but I’ve carried on that [sports] mentality. You are not so much pushing people but pulling them along. Any great coach does not push. You show them the way and invite them in. That’s the way I was coached.
Were you ever a coach?
I coached my daughter’s soccer team and baseball [team]. The sports involvement is the same with music and activities out of school.
When you are a teenager and young, there are certain teachers and coaches that influence you. It’s neat to take that into business—the philosophy of acting as a team, yet celebrating individual victories, mentoring and coaching and giving back and supporting each other.

For more information on franchisising and Francorp Clients, visit www.francorp.com

Soul De Cuba Expanding

THEBUZZ
Restaurateurs seek expansion
By Erika Engle
POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Nov 25, 2008
(Page 1 of 2) Single Page View Soul de Cuba Cafe is aiming to spread far and wide its empanadas (fried filled pastry shells), chili de frijoles negros (black bean chili), and fall-apart tender rabo encendido (lean oxtails) through franchising.
On the Net:» www.souldecuba.comIt is crossing the t's and dotting the i's on the necessary documentation, said owner and co-founder Jesus Puerto.
Soul de Cuba teamed up with Illinois-based Francorp Inc., whose clients include Bridgestone, USA Baby, and Jollibee.
Puerto envisions franchises growing first in regions around existing locations. The first opened in early 2005 in New Haven, Conn., and its far-flung sister restaurant opened in July of 2006, in Honolulu's Chinatown.
The cities are not known as bustling hubs of Hispanic populations, though Hispanic communities and servicemembers have embraced and supported the restaurants, "and we're very grateful for that," he said.
New Haven is a college town "and we're supported by Yale University," he said.
This column seeks to be a bright spot in these gloomy economic times, but without prompting, Puerto volunteered that his Honolulu restaurant in September was 20 percent above the year before in sales.
Some sales are driven by productions at Hawaii Theatre across the street and by events such as First Friday, but such things do not account for the entire year-over-year increase, Puerto said.
In addition to disabusing people of the misperception that Cuban food is hot and spicy -- it is not -- Puerto says a hallmark of his restaurants is "making everyone feel at home when they walk in the door ... that'll be part of our (franchisee) training program," he said.
Sales 'fine' for schochRestaurateur Randy Schoch has lived through business cycles good and bad and was happy looking out over the Ala Moana Center parking lot last week.
"It is full ... that is not the case on the mainland," he said.
A franchisee and franchisor himself, he operates Ruth's Chris, Romano's Macaroni Grill, Thaifoon and Ling & Louie's restaurants. His Hawaii sales are better than those of many of his mainland colleagues' he said.
"We're doing fine. There's a little bit of stress over here, but it's way worse on the mainland."
"Black is good," said Schoch.
His second Hawaii Romano's Macaroni Grill location at Waikoloa Beach Resort just opened with 145 people on the payroll.
While no flashy grand opening festivities are planned, the restaurant will host a benefit event for a nonprofit.
Sitting around feeling downtrodden is counterproductive, he said. "We're very fortunate in a lot of ways," Schoch said.
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin. Reach her by e-mail at erika@starbulletin.com
Soul de Cuba Cafe is aiming to spread far and wide its empanadas (fried filled pastry shells), chili de frijoles negros (black bean chili), and fall-apart tender rabo encendido (lean oxtails) through franchising.
On the Net:» www.souldecuba.comIt is crossing the t's and dotting the i's on the necessary documentation, said owner and co-founder Jesus Puerto.
Soul de Cuba teamed up with Illinois-based Francorp Inc., whose clients include Bridgestone, USA Baby, and Jollibee.
Puerto envisions franchises growing first in regions around existing locations. The first opened in early 2005 in New Haven, Conn., and its far-flung sister restaurant opened in July of 2006, in Honolulu's Chinatown.
The cities are not known as bustling hubs of Hispanic populations, though Hispanic communities and servicemembers have embraced and supported the restaurants, "and we're very grateful for that," he said.
New Haven is a college town "and we're supported by Yale University," he said.
This column seeks to be a bright spot in these gloomy economic times, but without prompting, Puerto volunteered that his Honolulu restaurant in September was 20 percent above the year before in sales.
Some sales are driven by productions at Hawaii Theatre across the street and by events such as First Friday, but such things do not account for the entire year-over-year increase, Puerto said.
In addition to disabusing people of the misperception that Cuban food is hot and spicy -- it is not -- Puerto says a hallmark of his restaurants is "making everyone feel at home when they walk in the door ... that'll be part of our (franchisee) training program," he said.
Sales 'fine' for schochRestaurateur Randy Schoch has lived through business cycles good and bad and was happy looking out over the Ala Moana Center parking lot last week.
"It is full ... that is not the case on the mainland," he said.
A franchisee and franchisor himself, he operates Ruth's Chris, Romano's Macaroni Grill, Thaifoon and Ling & Louie's restaurants. His Hawaii sales are better than those of many of his mainland colleagues' he said.
"We're doing fine. There's a little bit of stress over here, but it's way worse on the mainland."
"Black is good," said Schoch.
His second Hawaii Romano's Macaroni Grill location at Waikoloa Beach Resort just opened with 145 people on the payroll.

While no flashy grand opening festivities are planned, the restaurant will host a benefit event for a nonprofit.
Sitting around feeling downtrodden is counterproductive, he said. "We're very fortunate in a lot of ways," Schoch said.
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin. Reach her by e-mail at erika@starbulletin.com

Lifeline for Franchisees

NOVEMBER 25, 2008
Lifeline for Franchisees
More Franchisers Help Franchisees Ride Out Credit Crunch With Financing, Waivers or Assistance Getting Outside Loans
By RICHARD GIBSON

Most franchisers don't help franchisees out with financing, but more exceptions are emerging in today's tight credit market. Great Clips Inc., a Minneapolis-based hair-salon chain, says it has secured $14 million in loans for expansions, acquisitions, debt consolidation and refinancing for new and current franchisees.
The franchiser obtained the money from lenders InSource Capital Services Inc. of Sherman Oaks, Calif., and IRH Capital LLC, Deerfield, Ill., "in the wake of all the turmoil and fear out there," says Rob Goggins, Great Clips' vice president of franchise development.
Mr. Goggins says the franchiser was able to get the financing partly because of franchisees' low default rate on previous loans. Much of the money is still available, the company says.
To attract investors to a new hotel-motel prototype, Red Roof Inn, a unit of RRI Inc., is extending a $50,000 credit against various costs, capping marketing and reservation fees and waiving royalties for seven years. The waiver, which starts when the franchisee signs up, could average $45,000 a year or so, estimates Joe Wheeling, the company's CEO.
For the franchisers who have long offered financial assistance of some kind, the measures are taking on greater importance these days as a lot of outside lending dries up and personal assets shrink.
Toronto-based Proshred Security, which provides document-shredding services, finances the initial $35,000 fee on at least one franchise when selling a multifranchise territory to an individual.
The franchiser typically attracts people with high net worths, who usually don't need such financing. But more such franchisees have recently sought the loans, which carry an interest rate of prime plus 2%.
"Their resources have diminished," says Proshred President John Prittie, citing business owners' shrunken asset portfolios and 401(k)s. Coverall Cleaning Concepts lends up to $6,800 of its initial franchise fee, which, depending on the franchise's size, ranges from $10,750 to $32,200. "About 80% of our franchisees take advantage" of that financing, says Kevin Derella, a senior vice president at the Boca Raton, Fla., company, whose 9,000 franchisees provide cleaning services.
Real-estate franchiser RE/MAX International Inc. will finance as much as 50% of its initial fees, which vary from $12,000 to $25,000, depending on the market. But only a small percentage of franchisees tap that money, because "we can be extremely selective in making sure we have a really strong client," says Tim Burns, director of franchise sales.
Multiconcept franchiser ServiceMaster is unusual among franchisers in that it has an in-house bank, ServiceMaster Acceptance Co., to lend money to current franchisees for working capital, equipment and vehicles.
The company also will lend as much as 80% of initial franchise fees and start-up equipment costs. Those fees and costs could range between $27,000 and $87,000, depending on its franchises -- ServiceMaster Clean, a commercial cleaning business; Furniture Medic, on-site furniture repair; Merry Maids maid service; and AmeriSpec home inspections.
"Often, we'll charge interest only in the first year, as a way of helping new franchisees get started," says David Messenger, vice president of market expansion for the Memphis-based company, a unit of private-equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Inc.
One franchising giant, meantime, still carries enough clout to help business owners get outside financing from banks and other lenders. McDonald's Corp. has more than 50 institutions on its lenders list, including Chase McDonald's Finance, an arm of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. that deals exclusively with McDonald's franchisees.
The money is still available, although it might take longer to process loan applications and the cost may be "a bit higher," says McDonald's Chief Executive Jim Skinner.

Francorp Expanding Into India

PRESS RELEASE


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Francorp
(800) 372-6244

Francorp Expanding Into India


(Olympia Fields, IL) – Francorp Chairman Don Boroian announced today that Francorp has awarded Franchise India Holdings Limited the Francorp India franchise.

The contract was signed between Don Boroian, Francorp India U.S.A. Representative Atul Bhatara, and President of Franchise India Holdings Limited Guarav Marya.

“Franchise India Holdings Limited has already paved the way with franchise expos, franchise and business publications, and franchise consulting in India,” shares Boroian. “We are honored to have them as part of our team.”

Franchise India Holdings Limited has been Asia’s leading integrated franchise consulting company since 1999, with an authority on franchising, licensing, retailing, real estate, and marketing. With its strategically formed divisions, Franchise India Holdings Limited has created its own niche as the pioneers of the franchise industry and a small business authority in India.

According to Marya, “Francorp India will help boost investor confidence by providing professionally managed franchise consulting and development support, all under a common one-step gateway to facilitate entry into India and vice-versa.”

India is home to over a billion people, with a flourishing class of urban consumers possessing considerable amount of disposable income. With the continued growth of the economy, India has strengthened its claim to be a viable and beneficial destination for a foreign franchisor.

Since its beginning in the early 90s, the franchise industry has grown in leaps and bounds in the Indian sub-continent, and there is still much to explore. Based on the successful growth of many franchise brands in India, the future of franchising in India is highly promising.[1]

This promising future of the Indian franchising industry is backed up by an equally powerful market report that shows statistics of this thriving sector.
According to reports, for the past five years the Indian franchise market has recorded a steady growth of 30 to 35% per annum. Also, the annual turnover of the Indian franchise industry soared to 3.3 billion USD and is projected to soar higher in the coming years.[2] “We are very excited about the opportunity to enter the Indian market at a time when the concept of franchising is experiencing tremendous growth and acceptance,” noted Boroian.

For over 30 years, Francorp has been the leader in the franchise consulting industry. They have assembled a team of experts whose talents are coordinated seamlessly to create customized materials that fit the specific needs of their clients. As an international company, Francorp has the global reach to help clients expand their business, with a local presence to adjust their business to fit each country’s unique culture and laws. Headquartered in Chicago, IL, Francorp has assisted more than 10,000 companies for expansion, and has developed more than 2,000 franchise programs throughout the U.S., Japan, South Africa, Middle East, Central America, Malaysia, Philippines, Argentina, Chile, and Mexico.

For more information, visit www.francorp.com or call (800) 372-6244.

# # #
[1] Franchiseek, Indian Franchise Statistics and Information. November 17, 2008, available at www.franchiseek.com.
[2] Franchiseek, Indian Franchise Statistics and Information. November 17, 2008, available at www.franchiseek.com.

Francorp at the Midwest Franchise Exposition

Francorp is the world leader in franchise development and franchise consulting. Don Boroian founded the firm over 32 years ago with the express goal of helping business owners build and grow their company's throughout the U.S. and abroad. Francorp has 15 offices including the corporate headquarters based out of Chicago, IL. Francorp is the only in-house fully staffed franchise development firm and has worked with over 2,000 successful franchise systems.
Francorp works very closely with each of the franchise exibitions across the country and around the world. Francorp clients benefit by having a presence and a sales team at these shows advertising for them. For more information on Francorp and the development work that the firm has done please visit the corporate site, http://www.francorp.com/.
Seize The Opportunity! Become Your Own Bossat the Midwest Franchise & Business Opportunities Expo
CHICAGO, Illinois (May 21, 2008) – North America’s largest Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo returns to Chicago – November 22nd & 23rd, 2008 at the Schaumburg Convention Center. Over 1,800 potentialentrepreneurs - looking to become their own boss or who are in search of the perfect business partner - will explore the most opportunities ever showcased in the Midwest.
“In a recent survey, conducted by careerbuilder.com, over 84% of Americans are dissatisfied with their jobs”, states Fred Cox, President of National Event Management. “We wanted to produce an event that gave Americansand business owners the chance to meet face-to-face and explore how to make their dreams of becoming their own boss a reality.”
Showcasing over 100 proven, successful franchise and business opportunity concepts in Chicago – “The Heart of the Midwest”, the event also provides valuable educational resources and a wide range of advisors and suppliersfor future business owners. Free daily seminars from reputable and insightful professionals have information that entrepreneurs need to know. Topics include: “How to Find the Business That’s Right For You”, “Legal Aspectsof Buying a Franchise”, and “IRS Requirements When Starting a Small Business.”
The Midwest Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo takes place Saturday, November 22nd & Sunday, November 23rd at the Schaumburg Convention Center. Hours of operation are Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday11am-4pm. For more information, visit http://www.chicagofranchiseshow.com/.The Franchise & Business Opportunities Expo is produced by National Event Management. National Event Management is the largest producer of business ownership events across North America with 27 annual FranchiseExpos showcasing over 1,700 businesses to 65,000 prospective business owners annually. For more information on National Event Management visit http://www.nationalevent.com/.
# # #

Wyndham Worldwide appoints CEO of franchise group

Wyndham Worldwide appoints Eric A. Danziger as CEO of hotel franchise group, to start Dec. 1

November 17, 2008: 09:59 AM EST

NEW YORK (Associated Press) - Wyndham Worldwide Corp., which operates hotels and vacation rentals, said Monday it appointed Eric A. Danziger as president and chief executive of the company's franchise group Wyndham Hotel Group.

Continue reading at w

'g' Green Design Center Announces Launch of Franchise Opportunity

GreenBuild In Boston

Green Design Center will officially launch its new franchising operations on Wednesday, November 19th at the GreenBuild conference in Boston and is offering franchise opportunities to qualified and passionate individuals who want to provide our unique blend of retail and showroom green building and home design products and services to a growing market of homeowners, architects, builders, and small businesses.

These opportunities will allow Green Design Center to expand as a resource throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Pennsylvania and New Jersey (and soon to be available throughout New England & New York as well as...). We welcome inquiries from motivated individuals who are looking to become part of the global solution, who have a passion for green living and who are seeking a business venue where they can promote their committment to the environment while developing a meaningful business and career.

This is a transitional time in the green building community and as the GreenBuild conference validates, the interest in this industry is strong and growing. Green Design Center is proud to play a role in the development of this market and we are excited to provide this opportunity and demonstrate our goal to make green building materials available in an accessible, understandable, affordable and stylish manner. We look forward to working with our future partners on this journey.

Learn more at http://www.ggreendesign.com/

Don Boroian's Economic Speech

Be sure to check out the speech given by the Chairman of Francorp, Don Boroian, discussing the economy and its effect on the franchise industry.

It is split up into two links on youtube.

part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXqbPryYCR4

part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVqyToRnH1M


This video really shows how important it is to pay attention to expand your company in this type of economy. Very nice video. Thanks Don.

Tacos & Co. Chain Set to Franchise

Tacos & Co. Chain Set to Franchise
Orange County Mexican restaurant chain announces franchise opportunities.
-- Chain Leader, 11/13/2008 9:11:00 AM

PRESS RELEASE: NEW YORK - NY The fresh and bold flavors of Tacos & Co. may be coming to a neighborhood near you! Tacos & Co., Orange County's wildly popular Mexican restaurants renowned for their authentic cuisine, has just announced that they have become a franchise company. Although the current focus is to offer franchise opportunities in Southern California, trends point to the restaurant's increased popularity - and with that, opportunities for locations throughout the state, West Coast, nationally and eventually internationally.

Tacos & Co. Founder/Owner Francisco Hernandez turned to franchise industry giant Francorp - whose successes include Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs, Pizzeria Uno, Johnny Rocket's, Le Croissant Shops, Bread Basket and Popeye's Fried Chicken - to initiate this new phase for the company.


Since the opening of his first restaurant in 1991, Tacos & Co. has gained a following in the Orange County area, leading to its expansion to five locations (and counting). However, besides building a successful company, the journey from immigrant to restaurateur is what many find to be most impressive about Hernandez. After laboring in such jobs as picking grapes and washing dishes, he moved permanently to Los Angeles at the age of sixteen, became a United States citizen in 1986, attended California State University at Long Beach, and continued in the restaurant business.

In creating Tacos & Co. and its menu, Hernandez drew inspiration from home-style favorites and the street-food stands of his youth, resulting in traditional Mexican standards and combinations tailored for Southern California tastes. Known for his dedication to authenticity and fresh, homemade food, ingredients are not shipped from a warehouse - they are bought fresh and prepared daily at each location.

As a way of giving back, Tacos & Co. offers a phenomenal 50% off all food to students who attend area colleges (Tuesdays and Thursdays with valid student ID) and high schools (Fridays, accompanied by an adult). In addition, Francisco has created Tacos & Co.'s own ingenious fundraising program, which allows students and charitable organizations to create and promote their own fundraising events at Tacos & Co., with a portion of all sales going to the school or organization. Francisco even allows "volunteers" to work in the restaurant for the night to really make each event their own!

"The time is right to expand our concept of Mexican dining to other areas and markets," said Hernandez of his decision to franchise. "I am excited about the prospect of seeing Tacos & Co. restaurants in neighborhoods across the country and eventually around the globe." Taco & Co. restaurants are currently located in Westminster, Santa Ana, Irvine, Newport Beach and Brea, CA.

Francisco can be reached for information at the following contact information:
949-653-8081
tacosnco@netzero.com

Francorp Continues to Expand

Francorp Hires New Franchise Analyst
Francorp brings on new staff.

Print article

Refer to a friend
2008-11-13 17:16:13 - Francorp is the world leader in franchise consulting and continues to help Francorp clients grow through difficult economic times.
Francorp is Pleased to Announce the Hiring of Mr. Aaron Sejud.Francorp recently hired its third new employee this month. Aaron Sejud comes to Francorp with a great deal of management and business background. Aaron will be a new franchise analyst with Francorp Consulting. Francorp now has a staff of almost 60 people that are full time franchise consultants and development
professionals. Francorp is acknowledged as the industry leader in franchising consulting and development around the world.

Francorp's main operations are headquartered out of Chicago, IL but the firm has offices in 14 different countries around the world. Francorp has worked with over 2,000 successful franchise operations and developed many of the world's most successful franchise systems.Francorp's business has grown 7% since last year despite a difficult economic environment. The increased success of Francorp's clients has driven continued development of the Francorp infrastructure.Francorp is excited to have Mr. Sejud as a new addition to the team and looks forward to continued client success in the franchise business.

Don Boroian has built and designed Francorp to support business owners in taking their business and company into the franchise market. The structure of Francorp was purposely designed to support all kinds of entrepreneurs in rapid expansion strategies.

www.francorp.com

Francorp Attends The Restaurant Finance and Development Conference in Las Vegas, NV

FRANCORP CAPITAL

Francorp has an entire division of the company that is focused on financing for restaurants and small businesses - Francorp Capital. Francorp's Vice President, Mr. Senn Sodweidel attended the show and focused on several different forums to discuss financial options in today's economy. With the current financial crisis, finding capital for new businesses and new franchises is one of the most critical and foremost issues to be aware of right now.

Francorp Capital was formed with the purpose of supplying Francorp clients franchisees with the financing they need to open their operations. With the current economic and financial climate it takes some creative methods to get the financing for new franchisees. Francorp is on the front line of working with financial groups and banking institutions to organize and arrange for Francorp clients to get the newest and most current techniques and strategies for getting funding for their buyers. Here is an overview of the conference and what was included in the discussion forums.

The Restaurant Finance & Development Conference is the largest industry event that is exclusively focused on the finance side of the restaurant business. Designed for multi-unit restaurant operators and senior executives, the conference has become the “must attend” for so many in the industry. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this networking and dealmaking event!
Attend this year's Restaurant Dealmaker’s Event.
Register Online Today!

Capital—The Restaurant Finance & Development Conference is the restaurant industry's top financial forum for growth-minded restaurant company owners and executives, to meet with banks, finance companies, brokerage firms, real estate developers, investment bankers and other financial intermediaries—with a focus on the financing and deal-making opportunities available in the restaurant industry. This conference is the restaurant industry's premier business networking event and also offers expert speakers on the "business side" of the restaurant industry and what it takes to succeed in today's business environment.
Growth—The Restaurant Finance and Development Conference is where attendees meet and network with the many financing sources available to national, regional, chain, and independent multiple-unit restaurant operators. Representatives from banks, finance and leasing companies, real estate syndicators, brokerage firms and investors specializing in restaurant financing will preview their 2009 financing programs during the Finance & Development Mall. You'll meet with lenders and investors to discuss your financing and development needs. In addition, the Mall provides an opportunity for growth-minded operators to preview multi-unit franchise and joint venture opportunities and also find other financial services. The conference offers financial programs which feature practical financial and development topics presented by restaurant finance experts. The conference's professional atmosphere attracts the top restaurant operators and financial dealmakers in the world.

Who Should Attend? Owners and operators of multi-unit restaurant chains including senior restaurant executives in finance, accounting, development, legal, real estate and franchising. Also invited are consultants, investors, brokers, bankers, developers, accountants, attorneys and financial dealmakers who serve the restaurant industry.
Contacts—The top restaurant operators in the nation attend the annual Restaurant Finance & Development Conference. Attendees have the opportunity to learn from America's top financial minds about business strategy, mergers, acquisitions and investment. The nation's leading growth restaurant companies including franchisors, franchisees and multi-unit independents, send representatives to the conference each year. Many companies hold their annual planning meetings at the conference. Restaurant owners and executives make deals, find financing and re-charge their professional batteries at this conference. This is the one restaurant industry event of the year that you can't afford to miss! The networking at the Restaurant Finance & Development Conference is better than any other restaurant industry event you'll attend!

http://www.francorp.com/

Entrepreneur Connect

In case you missed the launch, I would like to let you know about Entrepreneur Connect. It was launched sometime in late August. It is a community for the small-business sector. It is a social network that fosters the sharing of entrepreneurial knowledge. I believe this thing will get huge. It is very similar to your online car/politics/finance/sports forums. It is hosted by Entrepreneur.com. You can go now and register you and your company at www.econnect.entrepreneur.com.

It is just getting going. Every person has a different business point of view with different experiences to back it up. It would be worth listening to other people's experiences and potentially finding out how to get around some of your own barriers. Could you imagine a forum with as many crazy/intelligent entrepreneurs that are just like you and I?

I say sign up. Entrepreneur.com has the right idea. Let us be a part of building this enormous, in-depth business library.

Lombok

Lombok is a good site, this is a great place to do some Christmas shopping for the upcoming holidays. This site is easy to manage and has all of the possible gift items you could imagine. There is a complete section on clearance and sale items also.

Lombok offers a wide selection of chests of drawers that are big name brands from around the world as well as assorted other peices of fine furniture.

Lombok also offers a great selection of wooden beds which can be perfect for families with young children or for the adults there are high end beds to choose from.

The site also offers an amazing array of dining tables for all occasions. Unique and different types of tables can make fanstastic gift items for the holidays.

The company has a really impressive background.

About LOMBOK
As always, our passion is to use recycled and natural materials wherever possible, for pieces that are naturally stylish and comfortable with that reassuring lived-in feel. This year we have scoured the globe to extend our furniture range, bringing you some distinctly oriental elements plus a gorgeous upholstered collection. Having listened to our customers, we have also developed a wealth of accessories including lighting and desktop items, textiles and basketry.
The story so farAfter living in Jakarta, our co-founder Alex was determined to bring the beauty of Asian furniture back to his home country for all to enjoy. He and his university friend Sarah researched over 100 manufacturers in Indonesia to launch their original collection of handmade, affordable solid-wood furniture. Since then, the company has grown organically. After the opening of our King’s Road showroom in 2000, we secured a site in the Gasworks in Fulham for our head office and a warehouse in Twickenham. Today we have several stores in London and are expanding confidently nationwide. The growth continues, but we never lose sight of our original aims and values.
However big the company grows, it will always retain the feel of a small, privately owned business. We look east for more exotic inspiration, insist on top-quality design, craftsmanship and materials, and make sure that almost all of our designs are exclusive to us. Rather than pigeon-hole you into a specific style, we offer the flexibility to mix and match individual products to beautiful effect. Our tranquil stores, styled to give a sense of how our furniture works in real homes, have a welcoming, one-off feel. Since we know how frustrating it is to wait months for something you’ve fallen in love with, we try our best to deliver within two to three weeks at a time that suits you. And- because we hire staff who are as creative, good-humoured and genuine as they are committed – our customer service, sales and delivery teams are second to none. Quite simply, we love and believe in what we do.
AwardsLOMBOK was delighted to be listed for the third year running in The Sunday Times Fast Track 100 at position 90 in December 2006. Fast Track 100 ranks Britain's hundred private companies with the fastest growing sales over the last three years.
Ethical PolicyWe use natural, solid wood sourced with the environment in mind. Although no legal certification is currently required in the UK to show the source of wood products, we are constantly in touch with our manufacturers to ensure that the wood with which they work is ecologically sound. Staff at our manufacturers in both Vietnam and Indonesia are all well looked after and earn above average wages for the industry, none of which employ children, and all comply to strict government guidelines. In addition there is an incredible sense of community within each factory with health cover, training and food being provided by the manufacturer – even factory football leagues!

Francorp to Present in JCI Entrepreneur Summit in the Philippines

JCI Entrep Summit
By admin November 11, 2008

Entrep Summit Poster: Click to view large

What: JCI Entrep Summit
When: November 28, 2008
Where: Sofitel Philippine Plaza

Tagline: Get Better Ideas for Better BusinessFrom some of the best business minds in the country…

Josiah Go, Mansmith and Fielders
Cecilio K. Pedro, Lamoiyan Corporation
Donald Lim, Yehey!
Samie Lim, Francorp and Phil. Franchise Association
Johnlu Koa, The French Baker
Roberto “Toby” Claudio Jr., Toby & Sports
Francis Kong, Motivational Speaker

Ticket prices: 3,500Early bird: 3,000 on or before November 15
Corporate rate: Buy 5, get 1 FREE.
Student discount: 20%
For tickets or more details, call the Manila Jaycees Clubhouse Tel. 525-6792 or 0922-836.0435
visit: entrepsummit.yehey.com
Or call Ticketnet at 911-5555

McDonald's Sales Are Up

Great article on McDonald's Sales from Reuters.

McDonald's October sales beat Street; dollar weighs
Reuters
Monday, November 10, 2008; 11:39 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/10/AR2008111000693_pf.html

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - McDonald's Corp on Monday said global sales at its fast-food restaurants open at least 13 months rose 8.2 percent in October, topping analysts' targets and sending its shares up more than 2 percent.

Same-store sales, a key gauge of retail health, rose 5.3 percent in the United States, 9.8 percent in Europe and 11.5 percent in the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) division.

RBC Capital Markets analyst Larry Miller said the October results "were above expectations in every division" and that the report's one "negative," which was not unexpected, was that the impact of foreign exchange has started to turn against the company in its overseas markets.

McDonald's last week said it expects revenue and operating income to be hurt by foreign currency translation in the current quarter because the U.S. dollar has gained strength.

RBC's Miller had been looking for overall global sales at established restaurants to be up 5.5 percent, which he said was above the consensus call for growth of 5.2 percent.

McDonald's, which has more than 31,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries, said that systemwide sales for its worldwide restaurants increased 5.4 percent for the month, or 9.9 percent in constant currencies.

The Oak Brook, Illinois-based company said breakfast, Southern Style Chicken sandwiches and its Monopoly game helped drive domestic traffic.

Strong results in the United Kingdom, France and Russia as well as promotions and value items boosted results in Europe, while localized menu items, value items and extended hours helped in APMEA, the restaurant chain said.

McDonald's has been one of the best performing fast-food chains, beating peers like Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc and Jack in the Box Inc at driving customer traffic and keeping a lid on commodity costs.

Still, rising prices for key ingredients like beef and cheese have prompted the company to consider changes to its popular Dollar Menu as the higher cost of making its flagship Double Cheeseburger pinches franchisees -- whose payments to McDonald's represent about two-thirds of company profits.

Shares in McDonald's were up $1.15, or 2.1 percent, at

$56.62.

Elsewhere, shares in rival Burger King Holdings were down 0.6 percent. Wendy's/Arby's shares tumbled more than 5 percent, Jack in the Box shares were off about 1.5 percent and stock in CKE Restaurants Inc , parent of the Carl's Jr burger chain, fell 3.6 percent.

(Reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles and Nicole Maestri in New York; Editing by Steve Orlofsky and Brian Moss)
© 2008 Reuters

Top National Health-Focused Franchise Hits Benchmark of 500th Clinic

Here is an astounding article which shows how rapidly the growth of a franchise can take off.

According to the article.

Massage Envy, leading provider of massage therapy across the nation, opens it's 500th clinic in New Jersey as well as sells their 800th franchise.
Scottsdale, Arizona (PRWEB) November 7, 2008 -- Massage Envy, ranked #38 in the "2008 Inc. Magazine's 5,000" top Health companies category, is hitting two benchmarks within a week. The leader in offering affordable massage in clinics across the nation will open the doors of its 500th clinic in Branchburg, NJ today, November 6th. Just days earlier, on October 30th, they sold their 800th franchise in South Carolina.

Continue to read at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/11/prweb1583634.htm

Francorp Client - Mama Fu's Chain Plans Expansion

Mama Fu's Chain Plans Expansion in Southern States

Austin-based Murphy-Adams Restaurant Group, which owns the Mama Fu's brand, plans to open two more Central Texas locations by mid-2009 and 150 more across the Southeast United States by 2013. There are 13 Mama Fu's in Texas, Arkansas and Florida, including the four in Austin. It plans to open new locations in those areas as well as in North and South Carolina and Oklahoma.

Murphy-Adams, at the time the largest franchisee of Mama Fu's, bought the now five-year-old brand from Georgia-based Raving Brands earlier this year for an undisclosed sum. Murphy Adams is a partnership between entrepreneurial restaurateurs Randy Murphy and Mark Adams. Restaurant industry veteran Steve MacManus was recently brought in as chief operations officer to help grow the franchise portion of the business.

Since buying the brand, the partnership, which employs 10 people and has about 35 limited partners, has made extensive infrastructural and operational changes ranging from franchisee training and advertising self-fulfillment to implementing financial systems and intranets.

Murphy says the company's expansion projections are based on initial franchisee interest and franchise consultant's estimates. He says each restaurant has sales of about 1 million annually, but he declined to disclose the brand's revenue.

The brand also spans two fast-growing industry segments - pan-Asian and fast casual.

"These are huge segments of growth with consumer tastes changing. They want more variety and spice, and it's healthy. You can also get it fast, but it doesn't have to be bad for you," Murphy says.

Murphy says because the brand is positioned within two niche segments, he doesn't expect to be impacted by the economic slowdown. Also, when the economy is down that creates a pool of prospective franchisees, he says.

"The best franchisors will succeed in this down economy," Murphy adds.

Mama Fu's came to Francorp earlier this year for assistance in the development of their franchise strategy.

Francorp Client - Chandler Brothers Sells First Franchise

Chandler Brothers Hometown Pizzeria Sells 1st Franchise!

Francorp is excited to announce that Chandler Brothers Hometown Pizzeria has sold their first franchise.

For over 30 years, Chandler Brothers Hometown Pizzeria has been bringing families to the dinner table. This small town pizzeria caters to a variety of palates with its incredible menu consisting of pastas, sandwiches and made-to-order pizzas.

With Americans spending a whopping 47.9 percent of their food budget dining out, Chandler Brothers Pizza Man gives them the option to dine in a family-oriented restaurant with quality food and exceptional service. "Everyone needs a family restaurant," notes Jeff Chandler, owner of Chandler Brothers Hometown Pizzeria.

According to Jeff, "Everyone needs a family restaurant" and Chandler Brother's Pizza Man is ready to serve.

Chandler Brothers Hometown Pizzeria approached Francorp in 2007 to assist them with a full development franchise program along with ongoing services.

The Other Reason for Warren Buffett's Success

Yes, There Is His Stock-Picking Prowess, But Exclusive Deals Add to Berkshire's Fortunes

· By JASON ZWEIG

• Article

• Comments

Wouldn't it be nice, in this miserable market, to be Warren Buffett? Fortunately, a cottage industry has sprung up to teach investors how to emulate the master. Unfortunately, you might as well try to catch a bolt of lightning in a paper cup.

Heath Hinegardner

Should you be like Warren Buffett?

For the first two decades of his career, Mr. Buffett built the bulk of his fortune through his investing prowess, producing one of the best long-term track records of any money manager in history. More recently, however, Mr. Buffett has succeeded not through investing prowess alone, but also through exclusive deals that have come to him because of it.

Only a part of Mr. Buffett's market-beating performance has come from stock-picking. Even more of his edge has been generated by the operating subsidiaries of his Berkshire Hathaway Inc., like Benjamin Moore paint and Geico insurance. "There's no question about it," Mr. Buffett told me during the week. "Certainly over the last decade at least," the earnings of Berkshire's operating businesses "have grown at a much faster rate than the [value of the] marketable securities per share."

It is a lot harder than it used to be to measure just how good a stock-picker Mr. Buffett is. When I asked him if he knew how well Berkshire's stock portfolio has done in recent years, he answered: "I've no idea what the rate of return would be. But, knowing myself how hard it would be to do the calculations right, I'm suspicious of anybody's numbers."

An outsider, then, can barely get in the ballpark. Since the end of 1988, Berkshire's stock portfolio has grown from $3.56 billion to $69.51 billion. That is a spectacular average annual increase of 16.5%, far surpassing the 10.5% annualized return of the Standard & Poor's 500-stock index. Of course, this calculation is only a crude approximation, since it ignores the cash that Mr. Buffett added in -- and moved out -- along the way.

Over the same period, the growth in Berkshire's book value per share, which reflects all of Mr. Buffett's activities, not just his stock-picking, was 19.9%.

In other words, Mr. Buffett's skill at picking publicly traded stocks pales alongside the value he has added to the company through other means.

As recently as 1995, 73.5% of Berkshire's total assets consisted of a portfolio of publicly traded stocks that (at least in theory) any investor could have replicated. As of June 30, though, Berkshire's stockholdings made up just 25% of its total assets.

Mr. Buffett's stock picks used to drive the train; lately, they are more like the caboose. He has been buying private firms outright and landing "sweetheart" deals in public companies.

Since the beginning of 2006, Berkshire has spent nearly $17 billion buying private companies lock, stock and barrel, including an Israeli cutting-tool maker and a distributor of electronic components.

Meanwhile, on the sweetheart front, in 2008 alone Mr. Buffett has sunk $5 billion into Goldman Sachs Group, $3 billion into General Electric Co., $3 billion into Dow Chemical Co. and $6.5 billion into the merger of Mars Inc. with Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. -- all with preferential terms.

Twenty years ago, Mr. Buffett struck similar bargains with companies whose quality ranged from purebred Gillette to mutts like Champion International, Salomon Brothers and USAir Group. His results were mixed. The lesson here is that even Mr. Buffett learns lessons. In his latest round of sweetheart deals, he gets a generous upside and virtually eliminates any downside, a "heads I win, tails I win" structure that other investors can only dream about.

Whether he buys stocks in what he calls the "auction market" or private businesses in the "negotiated market," Mr. Buffett tries to secure a margin of safety. That term, defined by his mentor Benjamin Graham, means that the price is so far below a business's underlying value that severe loss is improbable.

"We do try to buy our businesses like we buy our stocks," Mr. Buffett told me, "and buy our stocks like we buy our businesses." By that he means, among other things, that he wants to understand how the enterprise generates cash, how well-managed it is and whether its customers would stay loyal even if it raised the prices of its goods or services. Note carefully: None of these factors are contingent on the current price of the stock.

"Being a businessman makes me a better investor and being an investor makes me a better businessman," Mr. Buffett explained. "Most businessmen limit themselves to their own field, and most investors don't really think about businesses. And many businessmen are semi-oblivious to the yardsticks other people use outside that field. I'm always comparing everything to everything else. The question I want to answer is. 'Where do we get the most for our money in something we can understand?'"

"I prefer, and [Berkshire Vice Chairman] Charlie [Munger] prefers, the permanent ownership of [private] businesses," Mr. Buffett added. "That's been my focus for well over 20 years. But it's just that sometimes, marketable securities are so much more compelling." Mr. Buffett didn't say whether he thinks now is one of those times, but he did state publicly earlier this month that "I've been buying American stocks."

Any investor who picks stocks can try to think like Mr. Buffett and, as he pointed out, "the individual actually has an advantage over us, because their costs of buying and selling [stocks] are a helluva lot less than ours." But that advantage applies only if you actually can think like Mr. Buffett. Above all, there is much more to his success than stock-picking alone. Throughout Mr. Buffett's long career, he has changed tack repeatedly. At this point, he is on a course most investors will no longer be able to follow.

—Additional reporting by Shelly Banjo

§ Email: intelligentinvestor@wsj.com

French Trade thei Bistros for Big Macs in Recession

French trade their bistros for Big Macs in recession

Bloomberg News

November 3, 2008

Bloomberg News



It's lunchtime in Paris and this packed restaurant has neither checkered tablecloths nor carafes of red wine. It's a McDonald's and the French are lovin' it.

While rising prices and record-low consumer confidence drive the French to throw their culinary pride to the wind and embrace le Big Mac, traditional bistros are hurting. About 3,000 independent French restaurants filed for bankruptcy in the first half of the year, a record 27 percent increase from the same period a year earlier, according to Paris-based statistics office Insee.

Meanwhile, France has cemented its position as the biggest earner outside the U.S. for Oak Brook-based McDonald's Corp., accounting for about 13 percent of total sales.

"A hamburger patty and fries in a bistro around the corner from my office costs almost twice as much," said Alexandre Cavanel, 27, a computer programmer, as he tucked into his 8 euro ($10.70) double cheeseburger meal with colleagues at a McDonald's in Paris' opera district.

France may have slipped into its first recession in more than 15 years in the third quarter, Insee reported last month. Consumer spending will stagnate for the rest of 2008 as employment and the real estate market deteriorate and credit for new investments dries up, the statistics office said.

"Clearly, the current economic environment speaks in favor of cheaper products," said Dominique Barbet, an economist at BNP Paribas SA in Paris.

That trend is evident in other industries. Retailers including Carrefour SA and Casino Guichard-Perrachon SA report consumers buying unbranded products and switching from supermarkets to discount chains. Groupe Danone SA, the maker of Activia yogurt, last month introduced cheaper products to offer shoppers alternatives.

Many French restaurateurs and cafe owners are concerned that rising prices and growing unemployment, together with the global financial crisis, will stop people from dining out in one of the world's most pervasive restaurant cultures.

"Fewer people eat in restaurants now, and when they do come, they don't order like before," said Clara Vega, a manager of La Cote d'Azur cafe in central Paris. "They used to order an appetizer and a meat dish with a glass of wine for lunch. Now they buy a croque and wash it down with a carafe of tap water."

A croque is a popular French snack similar to a grilled cheese sandwich. A steak with fries costs around $18, while a croque goes for about $7 at La Cote d'Azur.

Falling consumer spending and a ban on smoking in cafes have eroded business, resulting in more restaurant bankruptcies, court records show.

"We are disturbed by the rise in bankruptcy filings and fear the consequences for our businesses," Union des Metiers et des Industries de l'Hotelerie, a hotel and restaurant association said. "Restaurants, particularly cafes in rural areas, have seen a brutal decline in their business."

McDonald's, which opened its first French restaurant in Strasbourg in 1979, is doing better than ever. Sales at the company's 1,115 outlets in France will rise this year to a record 3.35 billion euros, McDonald's said this month.

"In the short term, we will probably benefit from the current economic crisis," said Jean-Pierre Petit, chief executive of McDonald's France and southern Europe. "[But] it's never good to have an economic crisis because sooner or later it will catch up with you," he added.

 

 

 

 

Making the Most of a Trade Show

Posted by David Mammano at 6:12 PM

Have you ever been an attendee at a conference and gone to the exhibit area? You know, where all those trade show booths are and the vendors are standing behind them, ready to espouse their company's benefits to you?

I have been to many and sat on both sides of the table.

What baffles me is that when I'm an attendee and walk the exhibit aisles, I see so much aloofness. Many of the vendors don't even look up because they are talking to their co-worker, checking their Blackberry or gazing deeply into their laptop monitor.

I am quite sure that this is not what their boss envisioned when she paid thousands of dollars for the company to be there.

What do these vendors expect? That potential customer will make a bee-line for their booth?

Vendors have to be very proactive. Odds are, the folks walking by don't know much about your company. If you give a smile and say good morning, they'll probably do the same. After that, a simple, "Have you heard of what our company can do for you?" will probably buy a minute of their time.

The sales staff at Next Step Magazine and I were just in Seattle for a NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) conference of college admissions and school counselor professionals. There were thousands of people there.

I have to say, I was very proud of my co-workers. We worked it hard. Nobody got by our booth without a hello and a smile. Sure, sometimes we were ignored. But most of the time people would stop by and chat for a while. Then we were able to see how Next Step could help them with their job. We sucked the juice out of that conference, made hundreds of great new contacts, and connected with some old ones, too!

I walked around a bit to see what the other exhibitors were up to. It never fails to amaze me, but most of the exhibitors barely looked up as I walked past. I blame them for laziness, but I also blame their bosses for not being clear about the expectations.

Here are some good trade show tips anyone can use to get the most out a trade show:

1) Don't sit.
The trade show environment is a tough one. I know that. By the end of the day your entire body feels weak and numb. I also know that the next day you'd rather have your legs amputated than stand on them. But buck up! When you're sitting, you look lazy and less approachable. In that state, lead-generating opportunities will pass you by like grandma getting passed on the highway.

2) Avoid chatting with other your staff or co-workers.
If you're in the middle of chumming it up, show attendees will not even try to interrupt your conversation to ask for information. The same goes for the cell phone: If you need to take a call, excuse yourself from the booth.

3) Live by the 80/20 rule.
Listen eighty percent of the time and talk twenty percent. Many vendors tend to "throw-up" on the attendees. We've all seen it and we've probably all done it ourselves. It's just wrong. For example, the attendee asks a question, "Does your product do this?" Then you reply, "The product does this and that and my company was founded in 1912 by a farmer and a goose. I started working with the company when Carter was president. Boy, it was a hot summer." You did little beyond betraying your own discomfort. Listen to the customer. Process what they need and want to know, and respond with pertinent information. Wait, then ask if your response adequately answered their question. If you're nervous, take a breath or two before speaking. You'll be glad you did.

4) Train your trade show team.
Trade shows are unlike other sales environments. Limited time and attention of attendees requires quick qualifying and lead generating tactics. Make sure your staff is prepared and has a clear goal for each day.

5) Call them while they're hot.
Sales staff frequently make the mistake of contacting trade show leads months after the show. Make sure your sales staff has extra time and incentive to follow-up with all leads within days or, at most, weeks of the show.

6) Offer some booth love.
Effectively utilize display accessories, banners, graphics, lighting, booth design, and materials to heighten visibility and drive sales.

7) Always be on.
You only get one chance to make a first impression. Make sure you are as approachable and professional as possible. Potential customers are looking at your booth and asking themselves both "Do I need what they have?" and "Do I want to do business with them?" You need to pass both tests.

 

 

 

 

 

Francorp West Coast Franchise Breakfast

Francorp will again hold a west coast franchise breakfast for its clients before the West Coast Franchise Exposition. The purpose of the Francorp breakfast is to coach and discuss franchise tradeshow strategies. The West Coast Show is one of the most attended and largest franchise expositions in the country. Most of the U.S.'s largest franchise systems will have a significant presence at this show. It is imperative that Francorp clients get the support and guidance they will need at these shows to impliment and execute the franchise systems we have built for them.

For more information on the Francorp breakfast on Friday 11/07 please contact us via email or phone, 800-372-6244 or cconner@francorp.com.

If you are interested in information on the franchise expositions or would like to see the franchise companies offerring franchises now, register for free under Francorp before November 6, 2008 go to www.wcfexpo.com enter in source code GPEX8.

Francorp Team Outting - Blackhawks Game

Francorp clients benefit from the Francorp structure of "All Under One Roof". The consolidated and unified approach to franchise development has helped support and develop thousands of successful franchise systems. There are many different franchise organizations who acknowledge Francorp as the reason they have acheived the level of success they now enjoy.

Here former Francorp client, Auntie Anne's very own Anne Beiler talks about how Francorp helped her acheive the monumental success that her company has enjoyed. She recently sold the company, they now have over 1000 locations nation wide.

http://search.smallbusinessschool.org/video.cfm?clip=1064

Francorp will frequently hold team events to continue the team atmosphere at Francorp. It is not by accident that Francorp team members work so well together, it is by company philosophy and culture that bring the Francorp team together. On Friday, October 31st 2008, six members of the Francorp team went to the Blackhawks game together to talk business and continue to fortify relationships within the firm. The team members all enjoyed a thrilling game and this kind of company bonding ensures that the Francorp client gets a unified and cohesive team effort.